Cisco on Wednesday patched a critical vulnerability in its Security Agent Management Center (CSAMC) software which could allow an attacker to bypass authentication and gain unfettered access to the application.

Many administrators are finding that security is a way of life, not just a technology, and that way of life is defined by the processes and controls introduced into management of the network. Getting a handle on active processes, patch status and the elements that make up a network are a key ingredient to building a successful security strategy.

What really gets most VARs excited is bringing to market hot emerging technology that provides a greater return on investment for customers than the offerings from the more risk-averse and stodgier industry giants. For VARs, it's all about the inventor's mantra: a better mousetrap. That's why this week's Emerging Vendor list, which was overseen by CRN Assistant Managing Editor Elizabeth Dolski and driven by CRN Industry Editor Craig Zarley, is so important.

Even a technologically savvy customer needs guidance and information on products and systems sometimes. RADirect, a solution provider in Mahwah, N.J., has built its relationship with the Spokane School District in Washington with that in mind and has become a trusted technology adviser to the school district's IT team.

Surveillance video systems are virtually everywhere, but they're mostly used for investigating malfeasance after the fact. But a startup called 3VR Security is giving companies the ability to tap into the video feeds to identify criminal behavior before it happens.

Vendors seek ways to capitalize on customers' need

Recent headlines about lost or stolen laptops, tapes and devices, along with unauthorized access to data, have resulted in a big storage industry push to develop a variety of technologies for encrypting data.

Doron Kempel says selling hyper-convergence can be challenging for solution providers, but success will come from taking business from competitors that are unprepared or hesitant to embrace the technology.